Multiple stage hydraulic headbox

ABSTRACT

THE INVENTION IS DIRECTED TO A HEADBOX FOR A PAPER MAKING MACHINE WHICH INCLUDES A PLURALITY OF STOCK RECEIVING CHAMBERS FOR DELIVERING DISCRETE STOCK STREAMS TO A CONTINUOUS MOVING FORMING SURFACE. THE CHAMBERS ARE FORMED IN A COMMON STRUCTURE AND SEPARATED ONE FROM THE OTHER BY WALL MEMBERS. EACH OF THE WALL MEMBERS HAS ENDS TERMINATING ADJACENT THE FORMING SURFACE AND THE ENDS OF A CORRESPONDING PAIR OF WALL MEMBERS CONSTITUTE THE SLICE OPENING FOR THE CORRESPONDING CHAMBER. STOCK IS DELIEVERED TO THE FORMING SURFACE FROM EACH OF THE SLICE OPENINGS IN A LAYER BY LAYER FASHION WHEREBY THE STOCK FROM A SECOND SLICE OPENING IS LAID OVER THE STOCK FROM THE FIRST SLICE OPENING, AND THE SOCK FROM THE THIRD SLICE OPENING IS LAID OVER THE STOCK FROM THE SECOND SLICE OPENING.

Aug. 10, 1971 R. A. BECK MULTIPLE STAGE HYDRAULIC HEADBOX 3 Sheets-Sheet1 Filed Feb. 14, 1968 N VLT ORV RAM PA/ CK @inf W V @ATTORNEYS Aug. 1o,1971 y R, ,L BECK 3,598,696

MULTIPLE STAGE HYDRAULIC HEDBOXv Filed Feb. 14. 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 2Aug. 1o, 1971 R. A. BECK 3,598,696

MULTIPLE STAGF HYDRAULIC HEADBOX Filed Feb. 14. 1968 s sheets-sheet sF25- 5 ff LMV/SNTOR. RAL/Af ECK United States Patent Oice 3,598,696Patented Aug. l0, 1971 3,598,696 MULTIPLE STAGE HYDRAULIC HEADBOX RalphA. Beck, Beloit, Wis., assignor to Beloit Corporation, Beloit, Wis.Filed Feb. 14, 1968, Ser. No. 705,418 Int. Cl. D21f 1/06 U.S. Cl.162-298 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention is directed toa headbox for a paper making machine which includes a plurality of stockreceiving chambers for delivering discrete stock streams to a continuousmoving forming surface. The chambers are formed in a common structureand separated one from the other by wall members. Each of the wallmembers have ends terminating adjacent the forming surface and the endsof a corresponding pair of wall members constitute the slice opening forthe corresponding chamber. Stock is delivered to the forming surfacefrom each of the slice openings in a layer by layer fashion whereby thestock from a second slice opening is laid over the stock from the iirstslice opening, and the stock from the third slice opening is laid overthe stock from the second slice opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the handling offluid slurries, and more particularly, to the maintenance of desired berdistribution of stock slurries onto a forming surface for paper makingand the like processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The concepts of the present invention haveparticular utility when used in conjunction with a multiple stagehydraulic headbox. A headbox constructed in accordance with theprinciples of this invention can be used in conjunction with a suctiontype breast roll or with a conventional plain breast roll.

The multiple stages or chambers of the headbox could be supplied byindividual stock supply and control means, or the multiple stages couldbe supplied by a common supply and control means.

When the individual stages of the headbox are supplied by individualstock supply means, the sheet ratio can be controlled by controlling thehead regulation in the separate stages of the headbox. This provides theadvantage that the stock can be delivered to a forming wire in layersand the linear velocity of the stock stream from eachof the stages ofthe headbox can be controlled as desired to produce paper of a desiredquality. For example, the first stage of the headbox will apply the rstlayer of stock slurry to the forming wire, and could be operated toapply a stock stream having a speed less than the speed of the formingwire. This action `aligns the -bers of the stock slurry in the machinedirection. The second stage of the headbox could be operated at a speedfaster than the speed of the forming Wire. This condition gives a slightrolling action to the stock slurry thereby mixing the bers in alldirections. The third stage could be operated in a similar manner to theIfirst stage thereby causing the third layer of the stock slurry to havethe bers therein aligned in the machine direction.

Another advantage of utilizing a headbox constructed in accordance withthe principles of this invention is that the tirst and third stages ofthe headbox could be supplied with a stock slurry which is conducive togood printing qualities, and the second or middle stage could besupplied with a stock slurry which has good strength properties.Therefore, the laminar constructed sheet will have both good printingqualities and exceptional strength properties.

Another advantage obtained by utilizing a headbox constructed inaccordance With the principles of this invention is that the first andthird stages of the headbox could be used to apply iillers and clays tothe sheet, and the second or middle stage could be used to apply themain stock slurry of the sheet, and would carry the strength fibers andchemicals.

Still aonther advantage obtained is that different color stock slurriescould be used to create a mottled or marbleized effect on the paperlbeing made. In this instance, rag slurries could be used in the centeror second stage to add strength to the paper so formed.

Brietly, the headbox includes a plurality of stock receiving chamberspositioned one above the other and separated from each other by wallmembers. The wall members have terminating ends adjacent the formingwire which terminating ends form the slice opening of each of the stagesof the headbox. Each Wall member may be slanted with respect to theadjacent wall members so as to form a tapered stock receiving chamberconverging in the direction of movement of the forming wire. Theterminating ends of certain ones of the wall members are adjustablerelative to the adjacent wall members so as to provide means foradjusting the stock flow characteristic of the stock stream passingthrough the slice opening lformed by the ends of the Wall members. Eachof the stock receiving chambers may be provided with turbulencegenerators to provide the desired vortex turbulence in the stock passingthrough the chamber.

The terminating ends of the wall members separating and defining therespective stock chambers may be substantially straight or slightlytapered to provide the desired stock stream to a forming wire which issupported by a conventional breast roll. Also, the ends of the wallmembers may be arcuately shaped substantially in conformity with theradius of a suction breast roll which supports the forming Wire.

Certain ones of the wall members defining the discrete stock receivingchambers may be formed by two or more sections connected together bymeans which enable the terminating end portion of the wall to pivot withrespect to an upstream portion of the corresponding Wall. Additionally,spherical bushings are provided and adjusting rods passing throughcertain ones of the bushings to provide means for adjusting the relativeposition of one terminating end of a wall with respect to an adjacentterminating end of a wall without effecting movement of otherterminating ends.

Accordingly, other objects, features and advantages will be more fullyrealized and understood lfrom the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein likereference numerals throughout the various views of the drawings areintended to designate similar elements or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is a side elevational sectionalView of a multiple stage headbox constructed in accordance with theprinciples of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational sectional view of an alternate view of analternate form of the headbox shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational sectional view of a connecting knucklewhich provides pivotal movement of the terminating end of a wall portionwith respect to a iixed upstream end of the corresponding wall portion;

3 FIG. 4 is a side elevational sectional view of spherical bushings andcontrol rods used to adjust the position of certain ones of theterminating ends of the wall members of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing split buttons for retaining the sphericalbushings of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Seen in FIG. 1 is a headboxconstructed in accordance with the principles of this invention and isdesignated generally by reference numeral 10. A headbox includes a basesupport 11 and a top supporting structure 12.

According to the present invention, the headbox 10 includes a pluralityof stock receiving chambers 13, 14 and 15. The stock receiving chamber13 is defined by a lower wall member 16 which has a terminating end 17extending therefrom in the direction of movement of a forming wire. Alsodefining the chamber 13 is an upper wall member 18 which has aterminating end 19 extending in the direction of movement of the formingwire and extending a distance further than the terminating end 17. Theterminating ends 17 and 19 of walls 16 and 18 respectively form a sliceopening 20 through which a stock stream ows. Additionally, the portionof the wall member 18 including the terminating end 19 is pivotabyconnected at a pivot 20 to a stationary portion of the wall 18.Therefore, the position of terminating end 19 may be adjusted relativeto the position of terminating end 20 to control the configuration ofthe stock stream issuing from the slice opening 20.

The stock receiving chamber 14 is formed by the top portion of wallmember 18 and the bottom portion of a wall member 22. The wall member 22includes a terminating end 23 which extends in the direction of movementof the forming wire and extends beyond the terminating end 19.Terminating ends 19 and 23 form a slice opening 24. The portion of wallmember 22 including terminating end 19 is pivotably connected at a pivot26 which joins the movable portion of wall 22 to a stationary portion.Therefore, the movable portion of wall 22 including the terminating end23 can be adjusted relative to the terminating end 19 thereby changingthe configuration of the slice opening 24.

The stock receiving chamber is formed by the top surface of wall member22 and the bottom surface of a wall member 27. The wall member 27includes a terminating end 28 which extends in the direction of movementof the forming wire and extends a dimension further than the terminatingend 23. The terminating ends 23 and 28 form a slice opening 29. Thestock issuing from each of the slice openings 20, 24 and 29 is deliveredto a continuously moving forming wire 30 which is wrapped about andsupported by a breast roll 31. The breast roll 31 is preferablyadjustable vertically up and down so as to control the dimension betweenthe slice openings and the forming wire 30.

The movable portion of wall member 18 includes a threaded sphericalbushing 32 which threadedly receives a control rod 33. The control rod33 passes through apertured spherical bushings 34 and 35 which aremounted in wall members 22 and 27 respectively. A spherical threadedbushing 36 is mounted in the movable portion of wall member 22intermediate the terminating end 23 and the spherical bushing 34. Acontrol rod 37 is threadedly secured to the spherical bushing 36 andextends through a second apertured spherical bushing 38. The control rod37 and bushings 36 and 38 allow adjustment of the terminating end 23relative to terminating end 19 thereby controlling the configuration ofthe slice Opening 24. The spherical'bushings and control rods allowmovement of each of the movable portions of the wall members independentof one another.

Secured to the top member 12 is a support plate 39' which includes aplurality of stiffeners 40 secured between the top member 12 and thewall plate 39 by Welding or other suitable means. A control rod 41passes through the support plate 39 and engages a pivot 42. The controlrod 41 allows adjustment of the terminating end 28 which is pivoted at apivot point 43 to the wall member 27. In operation, the control rods 33,37 and 41 may be operated by hand adjusters or by motor driven gearunits as desired. Control rod 33 adjusts the position of terminating end19 relative to terminating end 17 and relative to the forming wire 30 toobtain a proper stock stream characteristic from the first headboxreceiving chamber 13. Control rod 37 adjusts the position of terminatingend 23 relative to terminating end 19 and relative to the forming wire30, and is preferably positioned a distance from the forming wire 30greater than the distance between terminating end 19 and forming wire30. Therefore, the stock stream issuing from slice opening 24 is appliedto the forming wire 30 over the stock stream issuing from slice opening20 in a layer fashion. Similarly, control rod 41 adjusts the terminatingend 28 relative to terminating end 23 and relative to the forming wire30 to control the configuration of the slice opening 29. Additionally,the distance between the terminating end 28 and the forming wire ispreferably greater than the distance between the terminating end 23 andthe forming wire 30 so that the stock issuing from the slice opening 29is applied over the layer of stock issuing from slice opening 24.Therefore, the stock applied to the forming wire 30 is in layers.

Positioned within each of the stock receiving chambers 13, 14 and 15 areturbulence generators 46, 47 and 48 respectively. Also positioned withinthe stock receiving chambers 13, 14 and 15 are tube-type stockdistributors 49, 50 and 51 respectively. A tapered header 52 is providedfor introducing the stock into the stock receiving chamber in a uniformpressure distribution in the cross machine direction. Similarly, taperedheaders 53 and 54 are associated with stock receiving chambers 14 and 15respectively.

The stock receiving chambers 13, 14 and 15 may be supplied from a commonstock delivery and control system, or from a plurality of separate stockdelivery and control systems, as indicated by reference numerals 56, 57and 58. By utilizing separate stock delivery and control systems, thestock applied to the distinct stock delivery chambers may be ofdifferent quality or character to enable the headbox to `form papersheets having specific qualities. For example, the stock receivingchambers 13 and 15 may receive a stock slurry containing llers andclays, while the stock receiving chamber 14 receives a stock slurrywhich contains strength fibers and chemicals. Additionally, differentcolored stocks may be supplied to different ones of the stock receivingchambers to produce a mottled or marbleized effect on the sheet beingformed. An additional advantage obtained in utilizing separate stockdelivery and control systems is that the stock stream issuing from thedifferent slice `openings may have different linear speeds relative tothe speed of the forming wire 30 thereby controlling the characteristicsof the fibers in the respective stock streams.

Seen in FIG. 2 is an alternate arrangement of a headbox constructed inaccordance with the principles of this invention and is designatedgenerally by refernce numeral 10a. The headbox 10a includes a pluralityof stock receiving chambers 13a, 14a and 15a which are constructedsimilar to stock receiving chambers 13, 14 and 15, of FIG. l. However,the stock receiving chambers 13a, 14a and 15a are inclined upwardlyrather than inclined downwardly, as shown in FIG. 1. The terminatingends 17a, 19a, 23a and 28a'are contoured substantially in conformitywith the contour of a suction breast roll 31a which supports the formingwire or felt 30a. The terminating end 28a may be adjusted by the controlrod 41 to position the end portion of wall member 27 relative to theterminating end 23a and relative to the forming wire 30a. When theheadbox a is used for delivering stock to a forming surface, it ispreferable that the suction roll 31a be adjustable vertically up anddown and horizontally forward and backward to insure proper positioningof the suction roll under the contoured ends of the wall members.Furthermore, it will be understood that the end portions of wall members18 and 22 may be pivotably connected as shown in FIG. 1. The headbox 10aapplies stock to the forming surface from slice openings 20a, 24a and29a in a similar manner as the headbox of FIG. `1. That is, the stockfrom the headbox 10a is applied to the forming wire or felt in layers.

Seen in FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the wall member 18including the pivot 21. The pivot 21 is formed by an elongated socket 50which extends along the movable portion of wall member 18 in the crossmachine direction. The socket 50 has an opening 51 formed therein whichconnects to an enlarged diameter opening 52 also extending in the crossmachine direction. The socket 50 is secured to the movable portion ofwall 18 by a rivet 53. A plug 54 is secured to the stationary portion ofwall member 18 and extends in the cr-oss machine direction. The plug 54includes an extended portion 56 which ultimately is formed into acylindrical-shaped portion 57 which extends in the cross machinedirection. The plug 54 is secured to the stationary portion of wallmember 18 by a rivet S8. The cylindrical portion 57 is inserted into thecylindrical opening 52 to provide means for pivoting the movable portionof wall member 18. The angle through which the movable portion of wallmember 18 is pivoted is limited by the space between the opening 51 ofsocket 50 and the thickness of the extended portion 56 of the plug 54.It will be understood that the extended portion 56 and cylindricalportion 57 may be cut off from the plug 54 at predetermined intervalsalong the cross machine direction while maintaining the strengthnecessary to support the movable portion of wall member 18.

Seen in FIG. 4 is a sectional view of portions of wall members 18 and 22showing the detailed configuration of the spherical bushings 32, 34 and36 together with control rods 33 and 37. 'Ihe spherical bushing 32threadedly engages the end of control rod 33 and is held in position inthe wall member 18 by threaded split buttons 60. Each of the sphericalbushings 34 and 36 are held in position in the wall member 22 in asimilar manner by similar split buttons =60. The spherical bushing 34 isapertured to provide a sliding clearance for control rod 33. Therefore,movement of the control rod to effect movement of the movable portion ofwall member 18 will not move the movable portion of wall member 22.

Seen in FIG. 5 is a top view of the split buttons 60 showing the halves60a and 60b forming the button 60. The halves 60a and 60b are threadedinto the wall members, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses a new and novel headboxconfiguration for providing a plurality of distinct stock streams to acontinuous forming surface, and wherein the stock streams are applied tothe forming surface in layers. Accordingly, it will be understood thatvariations and modifications may be effected without departing from thespirit and scope of the novel concepts of this invention.

I claim as my invention: 1. A headbox assembly for delivering stock formultiply web material comprising:

means defining adjacent upper, intermediate and lower headbox chambersleading to slice openings, individual means supplying stock of apredetermined characteristic to each of said chambers, first, second,third and fourth slice walls extending transversely across the headboxchambers to define the slice openings, the first wall being above theupper slice opening, the second wall being between the upper andintermediate slice openings,

the third wall being between the intermediate and lower slice openings,and

the fourth wall being below the lower slice opening,

the second wall being pivotally supported at an upstream edge and havinga movable downstream distal edge so that as the wall is pivoted and thedistal edge moves in the downward direction, the upper slice openingwill increase simultaneously with the de-` crease of the intermediateslice to change the proportionate amounts of stock in the upper andintermediate layers of web material without changing the total thicknessof web material.

2. A headbox assembly for delivering stock for multiply web materialcomprising:

means defining adjacent upper, intermediate and lower headbox chambersleading to slice openings,

individual means supplying stock of a predetermined characteristic toeach of said chambers,

first, second, third and fourth slice walls extending transverselyacross the headbox chambers to define the slice openings,

the first wall being above the upper slice opening,

the second wall being between the upper and intermediate slice openings,

the third wall being between the intermediate and lower slice openings,and

the fourth wall being below the lower slice opening,

the third wall being pivotally supported at an upstream edge and havinga movable downstream distal edge so that as the wall is pivoted and thedistal edge moves in the downward direction, the intermediate sliceopening will increase simultaneously with the decrease of the lowerslice to change the proportionate amounts of stock in the intermediateand lower layers of web material without changing the total thickness ofweb material.

3. A headbox for a papermaking machine for delivering paper stock to acontinuously moving forming wire which is wrapped about a breast roll inthe region of the headbox, comprising:

lfirst, second and third stock receiving chambers;

first and second wall members defining said first stock receivingchamber, said second wall member positioned above said first wallmember, and said first and second wall members extending in thedirection of movement of said forming wire and terminating adjacent theforming wire;

a first slice opening formed at the termination of said first and secondwall members;

a third wall member displaced above said second wall member andextending in the direction of movement of the forming wire andterminating adjacent the forming wire;

a second slice opening formed at the termination of said second andthird wall members;

a fourth wall member displaced above said third wall member andextending in the `direction of movement of the forming `wire andterminating adjacent the forming wire;

a third slice opening formed at the termination of said third and fourthwall members;

stock delivery means in liuid communication with said first, second andthird stock receiving chambers for delivering stock to said chambers andtherefrom to the forming wire through said slice openings; and

the portion of said second, third and fourth wall members adjacent saidforming wire being contoured substantially in conformity with theperiphery defined by the radius of the breast roll supporting the formmgwire.

4. A headbox for a papermaking machine fordelivering paper stock to acontinuously moving forming wire which is wrapped about a breast roll inthe region of the headbox, comprising:

first, second and third stock receiving chambers;

first and second wall members defining said first stock receivingchamber, said second wall member positioned above said -first wallmember, and said first and second Wall members extending in thedirection of movement of said forming Wire and terminating adjacent theforming Wire;

a first slice opening formed at the termination of said first and secondWall members;

a third wall member displaced above said second wall member andextending in the direction of mofvement of the forming wire andterminating adjacent the forming Wire;

a second slice opening formed at the termination of said second andthird wall members;

a fourth Wall member displaced above said third Wall member andextending in the direction of movement of the forming Wire andterminating adjacent the forming Wire;

a third slice opening formed at the termination of said third and fourthwall members;

stock delivery means in fluid communication with said first, second andthird stock receiving chambers for delivering stock to said chambers andtherefrom to the forming wire through said slice openings,

means for adjusting the ends of said second, third and fourth wallmembers relative to said first, second and third Wall membersrespectively, thereby controlling the stock flow characteristics of thestock issuing from said first, second and third slice openmss,

said means for adjusting including a first ball joint pivotably securedto said second wall member,

a second ball joint pivotably secured to said third wall member,

said second ball joint having an aperture formed therein,

a third ball joint pivotably secured to said fourth wall member,

said third ball joint having an aperture formed therein,

the apertures in said second and third ball joints being in alignmentWith one another and in alignment with said first ball joint, a controlrod passing through the apertures in said second and third ball jointsand secured to said third ball joint for effecting movement of theterminating end portion of said ksecond Wall member Without causingmovement of third and fourth wall members,

a fourth ball joint secured to said third Wall member intermediate theterminating end thereof and said second ball joint,

a fifth ball joint secured to said fourth wall member intermediate theterminating end thereof and said third ball joint,

said fth ball joint having an aperture formed therein,

a control rod passing through the aperture in said fifth ball joint andsecured to said fourth ball joint for effecting movement of theterminating end portion of said third wall member Without disturbingsaid second and fourth Wall members, and

means for adjusting the relative position of the terminating end of saidfourth Wall member With respect to the terminating end of said thirdWall member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,394,509 2/194'6 Boettinger162-343 1,534,080 4/1925 Russell 162-336 2,688,276 9/ 1954 Showers162-343 3,309,264 3/1967 Parker et al. 162-336 3,384,537 5/1968 Keller162-300 FOREIGN PATENTS 472,110 3/1951 Canada 162-338 578,379' 6/1958Italy 162-317 T. A. GRANGElR, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.

